I woke up feeling a jolt, my heart racing as I tried to make sense of where I was. I found myself in the familiar streets of Orario, but something felt different. It was like I had lived through this day before, and I couldn't shake off the strange feeling. As I wandered through the city, it was as if I was following a path that I couldn't quite place.
Every morning, I found myself reliving the same day, with a mix of familiarity and unease. It felt like I was stuck in a time loop, facing a reality where Bell Cranel didn't exist. Everything I had done and achieved seemed to have vanished from history. Nobody seemed to know who I was, and the tales of my battles and victories had simply disappeared.
Each day, I wandered through Orario, searching for any sign that my life had meaning, only to be met with blank stares and empty memories.
Tears streamed down my face as I collapsed to my knees, the weight of my isolation crushing me. And then, like a nightmare come to life, Medusa appeared before me, her eyes glinting with cruel amusement.
"So, how does it feel to be ostracized by everyone? It's a feeling I know all too well. Not pleasant, is it?" she cooed, her voice dripping with false sympathy. "I can make this all go away right now. All you must do is agree to be mine, and your torment will end."
I shook my head vehemently, my voice trembling as I spoke. "Never... I'll never give in to you. No matter how many times you erase my memories, no matter how many times you try to break me, I'll always fight back."
Medusa's smile faltered, and momentarily, I saw a flicker of rage in her eyes. She stepped closer, her voice low and dangerous. "It's no good trying to play hard to get, my love. You just make me want you more. I'm afraid you've left me no choice but to resort to more… extreme measures."
She snapped her fingers, and the world around me dissolved into darkness. I braced myself for the familiar sting of the syringe, for the cold emptiness of my memories being stripped away, but it never came.
Instead, when the darkness lifted, I found myself in a room I had never seen before. The walls were lined with strange, glowing runes, and in the center of the room stood a massive, pulsing crystal. Medusa stood beside it, her hand resting on its surface as she turned to face me.
"Welcome to your new reality, Bell," she said, her voice echoing in the eerie stillness of the room. "I can't wait to see the look on your face when you discover the very nasty surprise I've prepared for you. Have fun and don't try to take your own life. Ciao."
I woke up with a gasp, my heart racing as I sat up in bed. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow across the familiar surroundings of my room. I blinked, trying to clear the fog from my mind. Was it all just a terrible nightmare?
I quickly got dressed and made my way downstairs, my heart pounding with each step. As I entered the main room, I froze. There, sitting around the table, were my familia members. Hestia looked up and smiled warmly at me.
"Good morning, Bell-kun!" she chirped.
"Bell! There you are!" Welf called out, rising from his seat and making his way over to me.
I felt as if I were in a daze, unable to comprehend what was happening. They remembered me? My name wasn't erased from history? How could this be possible?
As Welf approached, he wrapped an arm around my shoulder and clapped me on the back, a wide grin on his face. "Well, don't just stand there like a statue, Bell. Come join us for breakfast."
I stumbled over to the table and took a seat, still in disbelief that everything I had experienced was just a dream. Hestia poured me a cup of steaming hot coffee and slid it towards me, her smile never wavering.
"Here you go, Bell-kun," she said, her voice laced with concern.
I stared at her, my mouth agape. "You... you remember me?" I asked, my voice trembling.
Hestia tilted her head, looking confused. "Of course I do, Bell-kun. Why wouldn't I?"
Welf chuckled and shook his head, taking a seat next to me. "Come on, Bell, lighten up. It was only a nightmare. We're all here with you, and we always will be."
My familia members gathered around me, their smiles reassuring me that everything was alright. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, letting the warmth of their presence wash over me.
"I love you all so much," I whispered, tears welling up in my eyes. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
They all laughed and patted me on the back, reassuring me that nothing could ever break our bond.
Cautiously, I sat down at the table, still half-expecting the illusion to shatter at any moment. But as we ate and laughed together, I began to relax. Maybe it really had all been just a bad dream.
Still, I couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right. And as the day progressed, that sense of unease only grew stronger.
As the day went on, I found myself walking through the streets of Orario, marveling at the bustling crowds and lively atmosphere. Everything seemed so normal, so real. I even ran into some of my friends from other familias, and they greeted me with the same enthusiasm as always.
But despite the overwhelming sense of relief, a nagging doubt lingered in the back of my mind. Medusa's words echoed in my ears, her promise of a new reality sending a chill down my spine. Was this really the end of her torment, or was it just another twisted game?
I shook my head, trying to push the thoughts away. For now, I would enjoy this moment of peace, this fleeting glimpse of normalcy. But deep down, I knew I couldn't let my guard down. Medusa was still out there, and I had no idea what she had in store for me next.
I wandered through the streets of Orario, my mind still reeling from the strange sense of normalcy that had settled over the city. Despite the lingering doubts that plagued me, I couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope that perhaps, just perhaps, Medusa's twisted games had finally come to an end.
"Riveria," I said under my breath. "I have to see her. I miss her so much."
"Who is Riveria?" a passing demi-human asked.
"What?" I asked, taken aback. "Don't you remember? The strongest High Elf in Orario. You're joking, right?"
The demi-human only shrugged, continuing on their way.
I furrowed my brow in confusion and made my way through the streets, the strange question nagging at my mind. Perhaps it was simply a misunderstanding, but something didn't feel right.
As I made my way towards the Twilight Manor, the home of the Loki Familia, a sudden unease gripped my heart. The streets around me seemed eerily quiet, devoid of the usual bustle and energy that characterized the area. I quickened my pace, a sense of dread building in the pit of my stomach.
When I finally reached the manor, my blood ran cold. The once-grand building stood in ruins, its walls crumbling and overgrown with vines. The windows were shattered, and the doors hung loosely on their hinges, as if no one had set foot inside for years.
I stood in stunned silence, trying to comprehend what I was seeing. What had happened to the Loki Familia? Were they alright?
I stumbled forward, my heart pounding in my chest as I pushed open the door and stepped inside. The interior was a scene of devastation, with broken furniture and shattered glass littering the floor. Cobwebs stretched across the corners, and a thick layer of dust coated every surface. It was as if no one had been here in ages.
"Where is Riveria?" I demanded, my voice tinged with desperation.
There was no answer, only the echo of my own words reverberating through the empty halls. I made my way deeper into the manor, searching for any sign of life. My footsteps echoed through the corridors as I desperately called out for Riveria, but only silence greeted me.
In a last-ditch attempt, I burst into her study, but all that greeted me was more dust and the remnants of an abandoned life. The room was in disarray, books and scrolls strewn across the floor. The shelves were bare, save for a few tattered tomes, and the desk was covered in a thick layer of grime. The tapestries that once hung on the walls were now moth-eaten and faded, their colors long since bleached by the sun.
But I saw the first sign of life here: an elderly homeless man who was squatting in the now derelict Twilight Manor looked at me, confusion etched on his face.
"What happened to Riveria? Where is she?" I asked.
The old man shook his head slowly, his eyes filled with sadness. "I don't know who you're talking about, boy," he said, his voice rough with age and disuse. "I have never heard of such a person."
My heart sank. "What do you mean? She's the Nine Hell, the greatest mage in Orario!"
The man's expression softened, pity in his eyes. "I'm sorry, young one, but I think you have been dreaming."
I took a step back, my mind racing. This couldn't be happening. Riveria couldn't be gone, she just couldn't be.
"What happened here?" I whispered, my voice echoing in the empty halls.
The old man sighed, shaking his head. "Orario fell apart after the Great Feud. A lot of people died. A lot of familias and their members too."
"The Great Feud? I don't understand."
"You're too young to remember, boy," the man said, his voice heavy with sadness. "So many people were killed in that terrible battle against the Evils. The Loki Familia were all but destroyed."
I felt the blood drain from my face as I processed the man's words. If Riveria was gone, then so too was my chance at finding answers. I slumped to the floor, my strength leaving me.
Without Riveria, everything was different. The Loki Familia executives had perished long ago. Ais had died only months after joining at the age of seven. Eina never existed because her mother, Aina, never left Alf's Royal Forest with Riveria.
As I made my way deeper into the manor, a sickening realization began to dawn on me. The Loki Familia was gone. Not just absent, but truly gone, as if they had ceased to exist. My mind raced with questions, but deep down, I already knew the answer.
Medusa's words echoed in my mind, her promise of a new reality taking on a terrifying new meaning. In this world, the Loki Familia had died long ago, their lives snuffed out like candles in the wind. And it was all because of me.
I sank to my knees, tears streaming down my face as the weight of my failure crashed down upon me. Without my presence, without the strength and inspiration I had brought to the city, the Loki Familia had fallen.
It was then that I saw the memorial, a simple stone slab etched with names and dates. My eyes widened as I scanned the list, my heart sinking with each familiar name. Finn, Gareth,Raul, Aki... so many lives lost, all because Riveria wasn't around to protect them.
Tiona and Tione never got the opportunity to join Loki Familia, and were long dead. It was an indication of just how different this reality was from my own.
As I knelt before the memorial, tears streaming down my face, a terrible thought gripped my heart. What about my idol, Ais?
My vision blurred with tears as I reached the final name on the list, a single word etched into the stone with painstaking care.
Ais Wallenstein, dead at the age of seven, just months after joining the Loki Familia. I fell to my knees, my mind reeling as I tried to make sense of it all.
How could this be happening? How could Riveria's absence have such a profound impact on the world? I thought back to my own childhood, to the stories I had heard about the Alf Royal Forest and the high elves who called it home.
In this new reality, Riveria never existed, and Ais never knew her, and without Riveria's motherly guidance, the would-be Sword Princess met an untimely demise.
"It can't be true," I whispered, my voice trembling. "It can't be true..."
I felt like I was drowning like the very fabric of reality was unravelling around me. Medusa's cruel laughter echoed in my mind, taunting me with the knowledge that she had orchestrated this twisted reality, that she had torn away everything and everyone I held dear.
But even in the depths of my despair, I knew I couldn't give up. I had to find a way to set things right, to bring back the world I knew and the people I loved. I just prayed that I had the strength to do it.
I stared at the memorial in shock, my mind reeling from the devastating revelations. Tears streamed down my face as I mourned the loss of my friends and the world I once knew. The weight of Medusa's cruel machinations bore down on me, threatening to crush my spirit.
Suddenly, a familiar voice echoed through the abandoned halls of the Twilight Manor. "Oh, if I only Ljos Alf were here to see the look in your face! It's priceless!"
I whirled around to see Medusa standing behind me, a wicked grin on her face.
"You..." I growled, rising to my feet and drawing my dagger. "You did this, didn't you?"
Medusa laughed, her eyes flashing with malice. "Of course I did," she purred, stepping closer. "A very fine piece of work, if I do say so myself. I might even call it my masterwork, and I did it all especially got you, my darling."
I clenched my jaw, my grip tightening on the hilt of my dagger as I prepared to fight for my life. "You have no right to do this," I hissed, my voice trembling with rage. "You have no right to play as a god."
"I am more powerful than even the gods," Medusa sneered, her serpentine eyes glinting with malevolence. "I have that right. In this reality, Riveria Ljos Alf never existed, and without her, the Loki Familia crumbled. But that's not all - you may have noticed that a certain someone is missing."
A cold dread settled in the pit of my stomach as I realized the horrific truth of her words. "Eina..." I whispered, my heart aching at the thought of her being erased from existence.
Medusa laughed, her voice filled with cruel amusement. "That's right, Bell Cranel. Your precious friend and advisor is gone. You see, Riveria Ljos Alf was responsible for Eina's mother leaving Alf's Royal Forest, and alas, she never met Eina's father."
I could barely contain my fury as I lunged forward, my dagger gleaming in the dim light of the room. Medusa easily sidestepped my attack, her movements fluid and graceful.
"Naughty boy," she taunted, a wicked smirk crossing her face.
I clenched my fists, anger and despair warring within me. "You're a monster," I spat, my voice trembling with emotion. "You're nothing but a twisted, vile creature who delights in tormenting others!"
Medusa only laughed, her eyes flashing with malevolence. "Thank you, that's the nicest thing anyone's ever said to me," she mused, her voice dripping with contempt.
"Bring them back! Bring Riveria and Eina back!" I demanded.
"Oh, but you're so much fun to play with," she retorted with a smirk. "Why would I give you what you want so easily?"
"It's not fair!" I cried, tears streaming down my face as the weight of her cruelty bore down on me.
Medusa grinned wickedly. "Life isn't fair, Bell Cranel."
I threw myself at her again in a desperate attempt to take her by surprise. But once more, Medusa easily evaded my attacks, her movements effortless and precise.
"Pitiful," she sneered, her eyes flashing with malice. "It seems I need to teach you a little lesson. Come here!"
She snapped her fingers, and the world around me began to blur and shift. I felt a sickening lurch in my stomach as the ground beneath my feet gave way, and I found myself falling into an endless void.
"Let's see how long you can hold out, my love," Medusa's voice echoed in my mind. "I have a feeling you're going to enjoy your next destination."
I screamed as the darkness swallowed me whole, my mind filled with terror at the thought of what horrors awaited me in Medusa's twisted world. But even as I fell, I clung to the hope that somehow, somehow, I would find a way to break free and set things right.
I woke up in a sterile white room, the smell of antiseptic heavy in the air. My heart raced as I tried to move but found myself strapped down to a bed, unable to break free. Panic set in as I struggled against the restraints, my breath coming in short, sharp gasps.
The door creaked open, and Medusa sauntered in, dressed in a nurse's outfit that only added to the nightmarish scene. Her face was obscured by a grotesque mask, and she held a massive needle and syringe, the liquid inside shimmering with an otherworldly glow. I felt a cold sweat break out on my forehead as she approached, a wicked smile playing on her lips.
"Now, now, Bell," she cooed, her voice muffled by the mask. "There's no use in struggling. You're mine now, and I'll do as I please."
I gritted my teeth, my voice hoarse as I spat out, "I'll never be yours, Medusa. I'll fight you until my last breath."
She laughed, the sound echoing through the room like a dark omen. "Such spirit, Bell. It's a shame I have to erase it, along with your precious memories of Riveria."
My heart clenched at the mention of her name, and I renewed my efforts to break free, the restraints biting into my skin. But it was no use. Medusa loomed over me, her eyes cold and calculating as she brought the needle closer to my forehead.
"No!" I shouted, my voice raw with desperation. "You won't take her away from me! I won't let you!"
Medusa tsked, her fingers brushing against my skin as she positioned the needle. "Such a pity. But don't worry, Bell. You'll forget all about her soon enough."
I felt the cold sting of the needle as it pierced my skin, and a wave of dizziness washed over me. I fought to stay conscious, my vision blurring as Medusa began to inject the mysterious liquid into my forehead. The room spun around me, and I could feel my memories slipping away, replaced by an emptiness that threatened to consume me.
"Riveria," I whispered, the name like a lifeline in the chaos. "I won't forget you. I promise."
But my voice grew weaker, and the darkness closed in around me. As the last of my strength faded, I could only hope that somehow, I would find a way to break free from Medusa's grip and reclaim the memories she had stolen from me.
And with that, I succumbed to the darkness, the sound of Medusa's laughter following me into the void.
I awoke to the feeling of warm sunlight on my face, filtering through the curtains of the unfamiliar room. As I sat up, I tried to shake off the lingering sense of unease that clung to me like a shadow. It was as if something was missing, a crucial piece of the puzzle that I couldn't quite place.
I went about my morning routine, brushing my teeth and getting dressed, but everything felt off. The world around me seemed dull and lifeless, as if all the color had been drained from it. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong, but I couldn't put my finger on what it was.
As I made my way downstairs, I was greeted by the sight of a beautiful girl with long, dark hair and piercing eyes. She smiled at me, her expression warm and inviting.
"Good morning, my love," she said, her voice like honey. "Did you sleep well?"
I blinked, confused. "Who are you?" I asked, my brow furrowed.
The girl laughed, a tinkling sound that sent shivers down my spine. "Oh, Bell, you're so funny. It's me, Medusa, your fiancée. Don't you remember?"
I shook my head, trying to clear the fog that seemed to have settled over my mind. "No, I... I don't remember. I'm sorry."
Medusa's expression softened, and she stepped closer, taking my hand in hers. "It's okay, my love. You've been through a lot lately. The doctors said your memory might be a little fuzzy for a while."
I frowned, trying to remember what had happened, but my mind was a blank. "Doctors? What doctors?"
Medusa sighed, her eyes filled with concern. "You were in an accident, Bell. A terrible one. You hit your head pretty hard, and you've been in and out of the hospital for weeks. But don't worry, I've been by your side the whole time."
I nodded slowly, trying to process this new information. It felt wrong, like a piece of a puzzle that didn't quite fit, but I couldn't argue with the evidence in front of me.
"I'm sorry," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't mean to worry you."
Medusa smiled, her hand cupping my cheek. "It's okay, my love. I'm just glad you're here with me now. And soon, we'll be married, just like we always dreamed."
I felt a flicker of doubt in the back of my mind, a sense that something wasn't right. But as Medusa leaned in and pressed her lips to mine, I found myself melting into her embrace, the doubts fading away like mist in the morning sun.
I pulled away from Medusa's kiss, feeling a strange sense of detachment. Her words echoed in my mind, but something still felt wrong. I couldn't shake the nagging feeling that I was missing something important. I needed to clear my head.
"I think I need some air," I muttered, stepping back.
Medusa's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly recovered. "Of course, my love. Take all the time you need."
I nodded and made my way out of the house, the cool breeze brushing against my skin as I stepped outside. As I wandered aimlessly through the unfamiliar streets, a faint whisper seemed to call out to me, just on the edge of hearing.
"Bell..."
I stopped in my tracks, my heart pounding in my chest. The voice was familiar, comforting even, but I couldn't place it. I looked around, searching for the source, but saw nothing out of the ordinary.
"Bell... follow the wind..."
The whisper came again, stronger this time. I took a deep breath and decided to trust my instincts. I followed the gentle breeze as it guided me through the winding streets and alleyways. The further I went, the more certain I became that I was on the right path.
After what felt like an eternity, I found myself standing before a small garden tucked away behind an old building. In the center of the garden stood a single flower, its petals glowing with an ethereal light. As I approached it, memories began to flood back into my mind—Riveria's smile, her unwavering strength, her sacrifice.
"Riveria..." I whispered, reaching out to touch the flower.
The moment my fingers brushed against it, a vision flashed before my eyes. Riveria's spirit appeared before me, her jade eyes filled with determination.
"Bell," she said softly, her voice echoing in my mind. "I don't have much time. Medusa's world is an illusion—a trap designed to keep you here forever."
I clenched my fists, anger and resolve burning within me. "How do I escape?"
Riveria's form flickered as she continued. "I've been leaving clues for you to follow. Medusa made a mistake by bringing me here; she underestimated our bond."
I nodded, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. "I'll find them. I'll find you."
She smiled faintly before her image began to fade. "Trust your instincts and remember who you are... and who we are."
With those final words, Riveria's spirit vanished, leaving me alone in the garden once more. But now, I had hope—a lifeline to guide me through Medusa's twisted reality.
I turned back towards the streets with newfound determination. The first clue had been found; now it was up to me to follow Riveria's breadcrumbs and break free from this nightmare world once and for all.
And so began my journey through Medusa's crafted illusion, guided by whispers and memories that would lead me back to where I belonged.
The streets of this twisted Orario were eerily quiet as I walked, the sun casting long shadows that seemed to whisper secrets. Riveria's spirit had given me a glimmer of hope, and I clung to it like a lifeline. I needed to find the clues she left behind.
I wandered through the marketplace, my eyes scanning every corner, every stall. There was something different about this place, something just out of reach. A faint breeze brushed past me, carrying with it a hint of jasmine—Riveria's favorite scent. I followed it, my heart pounding in my chest.
As I rounded a corner, I noticed a small symbol etched into the side of a building—a delicate flower with intricate petals. It was subtle, almost hidden among the cracks in the stone, but I recognized it immediately: the Night Lotus, Riveria's handiwork.
"Riveria," I whispered, running my fingers over the carving. "You're still here."
The symbol seemed to glow faintly under my touch, and I felt a surge of determination. This was just the beginning.
I continued down the street, my senses heightened. Every shadow, every breeze could hold another clue. As I walked past an old fountain, I noticed something unusual: the water sparkled with an unnatural light, reflecting patterns on the cobblestones. The patterns formed words—ancient elvish runes that only someone trained by Riveria would understand.
"The truth lies beneath," I read aloud, feeling a shiver run down my spine.
I crouched down beside the fountain and dipped my hand into the cool water. My fingers brushed against something solid—a small, ornate key hidden at the bottom. As I pulled it out, the runes faded away.
"Thank you," I murmured to no one in particular.
I pocketed the key and moved on, my eyes constantly searching for more signs. The streets seemed to shift around me, guided by an unseen hand. Riveria was manipulating this world subtly, carefully avoiding Medusa's notice.
In an alleyway near Twilight Manor, I found another symbol—this time a crescent moon carved into a wooden doorframe. The door creaked open at my touch, revealing a hidden passageway lined with more elvish runes.
"Keep going," they urged me.
I descended into the passageway, feeling Riveria's presence stronger than ever. She was guiding me step by step, leaving breadcrumbs that only I could follow.
Medusa's illusion began to fray at the edges as I delved deeper into this hidden path. The walls shimmered with an ethereal light that seemed to pulse with Riveria's magic.
I reached another door at the end of the passageway and hesitated for a moment before unlocking it with the key I'd found earlier. The door swung open to reveal a small chamber filled with artifacts and relics from our past adventures—items that held special meaning to both Riveria and me.
Tears welled up in my eyes as memories flooded back—training sessions, battles fought side by side... her unwavering support even in my darkest moments. She had left these items here for me as reminders of our bond and strength together.
With renewed determination burning within me like wildfire, I vowed silently: "I'll find you again."
Among the artifacts and relics, one item caught my eye—a tattered, leather-bound book that seemed out of place. Nestled among weapons and trinkets, its cover worn and faded, it was a book that made my heart race. I immediately sensed its importance.
The title read, "The Hero's Journey," a tale I had read countless times in my youth. But something about this copy felt different. I flipped through the pages, my fingers trembling with anticipation. The familiar story of a young hero on a quest for greatness began to unfold, but as I read the dialogue between the characters, a pattern emerged.
The hero spoke to a wise mage, their words seeming ordinary at first glance. But upon closer inspection, I noticed subtle hints and peculiar phrasing that only someone intimately familiar with Riveria's mannerisms would recognize.
"Young hero," the mage said, "you must trust in the bond you share with your companions. In the darkest of times, it will guide you to the light."
I paused, my breath catching in my throat. Riveria had often spoken similar words to me during our training sessions. Could this be her way of communicating with me?
I continued reading, deciphering the coded messages hidden within the text. The hero and mage's conversations were laced with clues and references only I would understand.
"Seek the hidden path," the mage advised. "It lies beneath the surface, where shadows cannot reach."
My mind raced as I pieced together the meaning behind her words. The hidden path—Riveria was guiding me towards something crucial.
The dialogue grew more intricate, weaving in personal memories and shared experiences that only we could know.
"Remember," the mage said softly, "the strength of our bond transcends time and space. No force can sever it."
Tears welled up in my eyes as I read those words. Riveria's message was clear—our connection was unbreakable, even within Medusa's twisted illusion.
As I delved deeper into the book, I found a specific passage that seemed to hold special significance:
"When faced with despair," the mage whispered to the hero, "look to the stars above. They will guide you home."
Stars... In Orario's night sky? Riveria had always found solace in stargazing; perhaps there was more to this clue than met the eye.
Clutching the book tightly, I knew this was more than just an old tale—it was a lifeline from Riveria herself. Her coded messages were guiding me towards something crucial, something that could help break Medusa's grip on my mind.
With newfound resolve, I vowed to follow every hint and decipher every clue she left behind until we were reunited once more.
I clutched the book to my chest, feeling a surge of hope. But my heart sank when I heard the familiar hiss of Medusa behind me.
"Ah, Bell, my dear," she cooed, her voice dripping with mockery. "What have you found there?"
I spun around, trying to hide the book behind my back. "Nothing," I stammered, but her eyes narrowed, glinting with malice.
"Hand it over," she demanded, extending a pale, slender hand.
I hesitated for a moment too long. With a flick of her wrist, an invisible force wrenched the book from my grasp and sent it flying into her waiting hands. Medusa's eyes scanned the cover, and her lips curled into a wicked smile.
"The Hero's Journey," she read aloud, almost laughing. "Oh, Bell, you truly are a hopeless romantic."
Anger flared within me as she taunted me with Riveria's words. "Give it back," I demanded, but Medusa only shook her head, a cruel smirk on her lips.
"No," she replied coldly.
"Please," I begged, desperation clawing at my throat. "It's just a book."
Medusa's smile faded as she opened it and began to flip through the pages. Her eyes widened slightly as she realized what it contained. Then her expression darkened.
"Just a book?" she spat, her voice filled with venom. "This is no ordinary text, Bell. It's a message—a message for you, from Ljos Alf."
I froze, my heart hammering in my chest. Medusa's gaze burned with rage as she closed the book with a snap and leveled her icy gaze at me.
"Do you think I'm a fool, Bell?" she snarled, her voice filled with contempt. "Now, I want to know how Ljos Alf has been doing this. And you will tell me."
I swallowed hard, trying to remain calm despite the fear coursing through me. "I don't know what you're talking about," I lied.
Medusa stepped closer, her eyes boring into me.
"Do not test me," she growled, her voice low and dangerous. "I took every care to erase every last trace of Ljos Alf from this sandbox of mine, yet she has been communicating with you with this. But I'm about to rule that out!"
Before I could react, she tore the book in half with a strength that belied her delicate appearance. The pages fluttered to the ground like fallen leaves, their secrets scattered and lost.
"No!" I cried out, reaching for the fragments as if I could somehow piece them back together.
Medusa's fingers curled around my wrist, her nails digging into my skin as she forced me to my knees. "You're so predictable, Bell," she purred, her voice laced with contempt. "The hero rushing in to save the damsel in distress."
"I'll find a way out," I spat out defiantly, struggling against her grasp. "Riveria will help me."
Medusa's lips curled into a cruel smile. "Do not say that name in my presence! She has no place here. You will never see her again!"
Her words pierced me like a blade, and I felt tears sting my eyes.
I felt a crushing weight settle over me as the last remnants of hope slipped through my fingers. Medusa had discovered our secret and destroyed it without a second thought. The coded messages from Riveria were gone, leaving me adrift in this nightmare world with no way out.
"Now," Medusa purred, stepping closer until she loomed over me like a dark shadow. "You will be punished for this. You are about to have a lesson in pain and agony that will live with you for the rest of your life."
With a wave of her hand, my surroundings shifted and changed as if responding to her will. I found myself strapped to a gurney with restraints. I was rolled down a hall by two men dressed in white, the squeaking wheels of the gurney the only thing audible. The hall was littered with severed body parts and entrails, and corpses were strewn everywhere. They were all corpses of Riveria—hair chopped short, clothes torn, and arms cut off.
I screamed at the top of my lungs, trying to break free. But the restraints held fast, leaving me helpless. Blood was everywhere, and embellishing the walls were the remains of Loki Familia, even Ais was included—her eyes plucked out, her limbs sawed off. Finn was a mangled mess. Tiona's face had been ripped off to show her muscle fibers. The twin-tailed girl, Tione, was gutted like a fish, and her insides were splattered along the floor.
This isn't real, I told myself. I deny this reality.
Medusa entered the room dressed in a doctor's coat, holding a massive syringe filled with a glowing liquid. She lifted a cloth to unveil a plethora of sharp instruments - instruments used for surgery, scalpels, scissors, knives, and things I couldn't even comprehend.
I struggled against the restraints with all of my strength, but it was no use.
"Scalpel." Medusa ordered, and one of her henchmen handed her an instrument which looked like a miniature sword. "Now then, I'm very curious to see what you look like on the inside, Bell Cranel," she mused, lifting a scalpel and examining its gleaming edge.
"I deny this!" I shouted. "I will never accept this reality!"
Medusa smirked as she advanced towards me, her eyes filled with malevolence. "You're in my reality now, boy. It's my way or the highway."
I gritted my teeth as she drew closer, preparing myself for the inevitable agony that would follow. I struggled against my restraints, but they held fast, cutting into my skin like razor-sharp blades. "I deny this! I deny this! I deny your reality!"
Medusa's voice echoed through the room like a death sentence. "Every hero must face their inner demons."
I let out one final scream of defiance as she brought the scalpel to my skin, the cold steel biting into my flesh like a thousand tiny daggers.
"You won't die yet. Not until you've answered all of my questions." Medusa sneered at me. "Let's see what you're made of, Bell Cranel. Literally."
"I won't break," I hissed through gritted teeth. "I will never break!"
Medusa chuckled as she began to carve into my skin, each stroke of the scalpel sending waves of agony coursing through my body. "Oh, Bell, you have so much to learn about pain."
I screamed as she peeled back my flesh, exposing my inner workings to the open air.
"How did Ljos Alf create that book? How did she influence this world? You will tell me!" she demanded.
I shook my head defiantly, refusing to give in. "Never."
Medusa's expression darkened, and she leaned closer until her face was inches from mine. "I'm going to cut you open, and then eat your heart."
My eyes widened in terror as she plunged the scalpel into my chest without hesitation, eliciting a scream of agony from my lips. I could feel the blade slicing through my flesh like butter as she carved out a large piece of my heart, her eyes glinting with satisfaction.
"No!" I screamed, trying desperately to fight back the waves of pain that wracked my body. But Medusa showed no mercy, carving deeper and deeper with each stroke of the blade until all that remained was a gaping hole where my heart once lay.
"Now, this does look most delectable," Medusa whispered, lifting the bloody organ to her lips and sinking her teeth into it with an obscene slurping sound.
I closed my eyes tightly, trying to block out the horrifying scene, but it was no use. Each bite sent fresh waves of agony coursing through me, and every moment that passed, I hoped that I would die and that it would be all over. But I did not.
"So sweet," Medusa murmured, licking her lips and savoring each bite of my heart as if it were a rare delicacy. "So utterly delicious. No wonder Ljos Alf is so protective of you."
I felt my consciousness slipping away, and as the darkness finally claimed me, I prayed that this nightmare would end and that I would find peace at last.
I awoke to darkness, the smell of blood heavy in the air and a sharp pain in my chest. As my eyes adjusted to the dim light, I realized that I was back in the room where Medusa had first confronted me—a replica of the room where it had all begun.
I sat up slowly, wincing as fresh waves of pain radiated through my body. But as I reached for my chest, my fingers brushed against something hard and smooth—a lump of scar tissue where my heart had once been.
A sickening dread washed over me as I realized the full extent of Medusa's cruelty—she had taken my heart as punishment for defying her.
Medusa's gaze then bore into me, her serpentine eyes mesmerizing and cold. She produced a small vial from within her cloak, the liquid inside swirling ominously.
"Drink this, my dear Bell," she commanded, her voice a velvet trap. "And you will forget everything, including your precious wife."
I hesitated, but Medusa stepped forward and gripped my jaw firmly, forcing my mouth open. Without another word, she poured the liquid down my throat, and I felt it burn its way through me.
I tried to resist, but my body betrayed me. The world began to blur and twist, my thoughts slipping away like sand through fingers.
"No..." I whispered, feeling Riveria's memory fading.
When I woke the next morning, the world felt off-kilter. I had a vague sense of something important being missing. But what? I shook my head, trying to clear the fog that clung to my mind. I had a feeling I had forgotten something or someone that meant so much to me, but who? And why?
My thoughts turned to Medusa and my time in the illusion. As I recalled the horror I'd experienced there, I shuddered. But just as quickly as the memories came, they faded into the darkness.
"Bell?" Medusa called out from the kitchen, her voice like honey. "Come and get breakfast."
I glanced at the empty space beside me in bed. Something was wrong, I felt hollow inside. An emptiness had carved itself out of my chest where my heart had once been. Medusa had done something to me while I was in that illusion. Something terrible.
I closed my eyes for a moment and tried to hold on to Riveria's memory, but it slipped away like sand through my fingers. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't remember her name or face. I was alone, adrift in an endless sea of nothingness.
I found a journal on my bedside table—a simple leather-bound book. I didn't remember writing in it, but as I flipped through the pages, my own handwriting stared back at me. Entries about Riveria, fragmented and desperate attempts to hold onto her memory. Each night, it seemed I fought against the haze Medusa cast over me by recording everything I could remember.
"Who is Riveria?" I wondered aloud, staring at the name that felt both foreign and deeply significant.
"Bell, darling? What are you doing?" Medusa appeared in the doorway, a smile on her face that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Come and eat before the food gets cold."
I closed the journal and followed her into the kitchen, ignoring the sense of unease that lingered in my mind. As I ate breakfast, I felt a strange emptiness gnawing at my heart, but I couldn't understand why.
After breakfast, Medusa sauntered off to do her shopping while I moped around the house and tried to get rid of that nagging feeling in my heart.
Every evening became a battle to retain my thoughts long enough to jot them down. By morning, I would hide the journal in different places around my quarters—under loose floorboards, inside hollowed-out books—to keep Medusa from discovering it. It was a fragile tether to my past self and to the truth that seemed so elusive.
One day at the Guild Hall, a new advisor was introduced to me—an elvish woman with jade hair and piercing green eyes. Her presence was soothing, yet inexplicably familiar.
"Bell Cranel," she said softly, bowing slightly. "I am Elara, your new advisor."
"Elara," I repeated, feeling an odd sense of comfort wash over me.
She guided me through routine tasks and training sessions with an ease that belied her recent arrival. There was something about her—something that made me feel like I wasn't alone in this twisted reality.
As days turned into weeks, Elara integrated herself seamlessly into my life. Her guidance was invaluable; she seemed to know exactly what I needed before I even voiced it. She encouraged me subtly yet persistently in ways that resonated deep within my soul.
I found myself drawn to Elara's presence more and more each day. She had a way of making me feel at ease, even in this distorted world where nothing seemed quite right. During our training sessions, her movements were graceful and fluid, almost like a dance. I couldn't help but admire her skill and poise.
One evening, as we sat together in the Guild's library, Elara turned to me with a serious expression. "Bell," she said softly, "do you ever feel like something is missing? Like there's a part of your life that you can't quite remember?"
Her words struck a chord within me. I hesitated for a moment before nodding slowly. "Yes," I admitted. "Sometimes I wake up with this feeling that I've forgotten something important. But I can't put my finger on what it is."
Elara's eyes softened with understanding. She reached out and placed a gentle hand on my arm. "You're not alone in that feeling," she said. "There are things in this world that are not as they seem."
Her touch sent a shiver down my spine. It was comforting and familiar, like a distant memory just out of reach. I found myself leaning into her touch, craving the connection it provided.
"Elara," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "Why do I feel like I know you? Like we've met before?"
She smiled enigmatically, her green eyes sparkling with a secret she couldn't quite reveal. "Perhaps we have, in another life," she said. "The bonds we form can transcend time and space."
Her words echoed in my mind, stirring something deep within me. I felt a sudden urge to confide in her about the journal I'd been keeping—the fragmented memories and desperate attempts to hold onto a truth that seemed just out of reach.
"There's something I need to show you," I said, my heart pounding in my chest. "Something I've been hiding."
Elara's expression grew serious, and she nodded. "You can trust me, Bell," she said softly. "I'm here to help you, in whatever way I can."
I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the revelation. I knew that sharing my journal with Elara was a risk—if Medusa found out, the consequences could be dire. But something in my gut told me that Elara was the key to unraveling the mystery of my missing memories and the truth behind this twisted reality.
With trembling hands, I reached for the hidden compartment where I'd stashed the journal, ready to take the leap of faith and trust in the connection I felt with Elara.
I led Elara to my room, my heart pounding in my chest as I retrieved the hidden journal from its secret compartment. With trembling hands, I handed it to her, watching as she carefully opened the worn leather cover and began to read.
As Elara's eyes scanned the pages, her expression shifted from curiosity to understanding, and finally, to a flicker of recognition. She looked up at me, her green eyes shimmering with emotion.
"Bell," she said softly, "these memories, these fragments... they're important. They're a part of you that's been hidden away."
I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat. "I don't understand why, but every time I try to remember, it's like there's a wall blocking me."
Elara reached out and took my hand, her touch warm and comforting. "You're not alone in this, Bell. I'm here to help you, to guide you back to the truth."
As we sat together, pouring over the journal entries, I felt a strange sense of familiarity wash over me. The more time I spent with Elara, the more I felt like I was on the cusp of remembering something crucial.
"Riveria," I whispered, the name falling from my lips like a long-lost prayer. "I keep seeing her name in my journal, but I can't remember who she is."
Elara's expression softened, and she squeezed my hand gently. "Close your eyes, Bell. Focus on the name, on the feelings it evokes within you."
I did as she instructed, letting my mind drift into the hazy realm of forgotten memories. As I concentrated on the name Riveria, I felt a warmth blossom in my chest, a sense of longing and love that I couldn't quite place.
"I see... green eyes, like yours," I murmured, my brow furrowing in concentration. "And hair the color of jade, flowing in the wind."
Elara's voice was soft and encouraging. "Keep going, Bell. What else do you remember?"
I delved deeper into the fragmented memories, piecing together the snippets of a life I'd forgotten. "She was... important to me. More than just a mentor or a friend. We had a bond, a connection that transcended everything."
As I spoke, the memories began to flow more freely, like a dam breaking under the pressure of a raging river. I saw flashes of battles fought side by side, of quiet moments shared in the stillness of the night, and of a love that burned brighter than the stars themselves.
"Riveria," I gasped, my eyes flying open as the realization hit me like a thunderbolt. "She's my wife. My soulmate. And Medusa... she took her from me."
Elara's eyes widened as she saw the realization dawn on my face. She leaned forward, her voice urgent yet comforting. "Bell, you're starting to remember. This is a crucial moment. Medusa's hold on your mind is weakening."
I clutched my head, the memories flooding back in a dizzying rush. Riveria's sacrifice, the quest for the Night Lotus, the twisted illusion Medusa had trapped me in—it all came crashing down on me like a tidal wave.
"What have I done?" I whispered, horror and guilt twisting in my gut. "I forgot her. I forgot everything."
Elara placed a steadying hand on my shoulder. "It's not your fault, Bell. Medusa's magic is powerful, but your love for Riveria is stronger. You're fighting back, even if you didn't realize it."
I looked down at the journal, the pages now filled with memories that were once lost. "I have to find her," I said, determination burning in my veins. "I have to save Riveria and break free from this nightmare."
Elara nodded, a fierce light in her eyes. "And I will help you, Bell. Together, we'll find a way to shatter Medusa's illusion and restore the true reality."
As we sat there, pouring over the journal entries and piecing together the fragments of my stolen life, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. Riveria was out there somewhere, waiting for me. And I would stop at nothing to find her and bring her back.
But even as hope blossomed in my chest, a nagging fear lurked in the shadows of my mind. Medusa's power was vast and terrifying, and I knew that breaking free from her grasp would be no easy feat.
"What if I'm not strong enough?" I whispered, giving voice to the doubt that plagued me. "What if I fail, and Medusa wins?"
Elara's gaze was unwavering as she met my eyes. "You are stronger than you know, Bell Cranel. Your love for Riveria, your bond with your friends and allies—that is your true power. And as long as you hold onto that, Medusa can never truly win."
As I sat there, staring at Elara in disbelief, she smiled softly and reached out to caress my cheek. Her touch was familiar, comforting, and I found myself leaning into it instinctively.
"Bell," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "It's me. Riveria."
My eyes widened as the realization hit me like a thunderbolt. The jade hair, the piercing green eyes, the way she seemed to know me better than I knew myself—it all made sense now.
"Riveria," I breathed, tears welling up in my eyes. "How... how is this possible?"
She smiled, a mixture of love and sadness in her expression. "I've been here all along, Bell. Watching over you, guiding you, trying to help you remember."
I reached out and pulled her into a tight embrace, burying my face in her hair as the tears began to fall. "I'm so sorry," I whispered, my voice choked with emotion. "I forgot you. I forgot everything."
Riveria held me close, her own tears mingling with mine. "It's not your fault," she murmured, stroking my hair soothingly. "Medusa's magic is powerful, but your love for me is stronger. That's why you're starting to break free from her hold."
We stayed like that for a long moment, wrapped in each other's arms, basking in the warmth of our reunion. When we finally pulled apart, Riveria's eyes were filled with determination.
"We have to break free from this illusion, Bell. But to do that, we need to face Medusa and break her spell. Are you ready?"
I nodded without hesitation, the fire of resolve burning in my heart. "I'll do whatever it takes to get us out of here and back home," I vowed, gripping her hands tightly, feeling a renewed sense of purpose coursing through my veins. "Together," I said, taking her hand in mine. "We'll do it together."
Riveria smiled, and in that moment, I saw a glimmer of the future we'd fought so hard for—a future where we were side by side, facing whatever challenges lay ahead.
"Together," Riveria repeated, squeezing my hand gently. "But first, there's something else I need to tell you."
I looked at her expectantly, sensing the importance of her words.
She hesitated for a moment, then sighed before speaking again: "I love you, Bell Cranel. I love you as a man, a lover, a partner, a husband. I always have, and always will."
As her words registered in my mind, I felt as though the world had stopped spinning. She had loved me—and still did—even when I couldn't remember her, and she was fighting just as hard as I was to save our future together.
"Riveria," I whispered hoarsely, barely able to form the words as my emotions overwhelmed me. "I love you too."
Time seemed to stand still as we gazed into each other's eyes, a thousand unspoken words passing between us in that moment.
As Riveria and I held each other, the door to my room burst open with a bang. Medusa stood in the doorway, her eyes blazing with fury as she took in the scene before her.
"Bell, darling," she said, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "What's going on here? Who is this woman?"
I stepped in front of Riveria protectively, my heart pounding in my chest. "Medusa," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "This is Elara, my new advisor from the Guild."
Medusa's eyes narrowed as she stepped closer, her gaze fixed on Riveria. "Is that so?" she purred, a dangerous edge to her voice. "Well, Bell, you must not pay any attention to other women. I am the only woman in your life now."
I felt a chill run down my spine at her words, but I stood my ground. "Medusa, I..."
She cut me off with a wave of her hand. "I forbid you to see that woman anymore. You're being unfaithful to me."
Riveria stepped forward, her eyes blazing with defiance. "He's not yours, Medusa. You've trapped him in this twisted illusion, but he's starting to remember the truth."
Medusa's face contorted with rage, and momentarily, I saw the true depth of her madness. "You," she hissed, pointing a finger at Riveria. "You've been meddling again! How dare you interfere with my plans?"
"Stop it, Medusa!" I shouted, stepping between them. "Elara is innocent! And I don't belong to anyone!"
Medusa's gaze bored into me like daggers.
"You don't have a choice, my love. You're mine, now and forever. There is nowhere for you to go. You have nothing, except for me."
I shook my head, feeling anger and frustration surging within me, my heart pounding in my chest as I faced down the woman who had stolen my memories and twisted my reality.
"I won't be a prisoner here anymore, Medusa," I said, my voice shaking with emotion. "I won't let you control me or hurt those I love."
Riveria stepped up beside me, her hand clutching mine tightly. "Neither will I," she said, her voice filled with resolve.
Medusa's expression darkened as she looked from me to Riveria and back again.
"You are powerless, boy. Powerless and insignificant. You have nothing, and are nothing." She spat the words at me like poison, her eyes burning with hatred and malice.
"Don't listen to her, Bell," Riveria whispered. "We're not powerless. Not as long as we have each other."
"You will soon forget that woman, Bell. Because you only need me."
Medusa's words sent a chill down my spine, the weight of her twisted obsession bearing down on me like a suffocating cloak. I glanced at Riveria, seeing the defiance and determination in her eyes, and drew strength from her presence.
"No, Medusa," I said, my voice steady despite the fear coursing through my veins. "I won't forget Riveria. And I won't let you break us apart."
Medusa's eyes flashed with a dangerous light, and she stepped closer, her voice dropping to a menacing whisper. "The choir only I can hear is reaching a crescendo, Bell. I will bring an end to all things, and then forge an empire from the ashes of the old world that we will rule together for all eternity. You will forget that woman, Bell. You belong to me."
"NO!" I shouted, feeling the rage and determination burning within me like wildfire. "I won't let you win, Medusa. I will never be yours!"
Riveria placed a hand on my shoulder, her touch a comforting anchor in the midst of the storm. "Bell," she said softly. "I have a plan."
"Plan?" Medusa sneered. "There are no plans. There is only my will, which will soon be your will as well."
"Together," Riveria whispered, squeezing my hand. "We'll do it together."
Medusa's eyes narrowed as she regarded Riveria with a mixture of curiosity and disdain. "I'm very interested to know how you entered this world, Ljos Alf," she said, her voice dripping with venom. "This was supposed to be a world without you. I think it's much better this way."
Riveria met Medusa's gaze unflinchingly, her green eyes blazing with determination. "You underestimated the power of our bond, Medusa," she said, her voice calm and steady. "When you created this twisted reality and trapped Bell within it, you inadvertently brought a piece of me along with him."
Medusa's brow furrowed in confusion, and I felt a flicker of hope ignite in my chest. Riveria continued, her words measured and precise. "The Light Bond Shield that I used to save Bell's life—it linked our spirits together in a way that transcends even your dark magic. A part of me has resided in his heart ever since, waiting for the right moment to guide him back to the truth."
Medusa's eyes widened in realization, and she let out a harsh, mocking laugh. "I ate his heart!" she retorted, her voice filled with cruel amusement. "I devoured it, piece by piece until there was nothing left but an empty void where his love for you once resided."
I felt a surge of anger and revulsion at her words, but before I could speak, a strange sensation began to build in my chest. It was a warmth, a tingling that spread from my heart and throughout my entire body. I placed a hand over my chest, my eyes widening in disbelief as I felt the steady thrum of a heartbeat beneath my fingertips.
"No," I whispered, my voice trembling with emotion. "My heart... it's still here. It's whole again."
Riveria smiled, a look of triumph and love shining in her eyes. "As long as there's a spark of life within you, Bell, your heart can never be truly taken from you. And the bond we share—our love—is stronger than anything Medusa can ever hope to devise."
I met Riveria's gaze, feeling a renewed sense of hope and determination coursing through my veins. Medusa may have tried to destroy me, to erase every trace of my love for Riveria, but she had failed. Our connection was stronger than her twisted magic; together, we would find a way to break free from this nightmare and restore the true reality.
Medusa's eyes flashed with a terrifying intensity, her face contorting into a mask of pure rage. The air around us crackled with dark energy as she let out an ear-splitting scream that seemed to shake the very foundations of the world.
"If I can't have you, Bell Cranel," she shrieked, her voice raw with fury, "then no one will! I'll tear this entire reality apart before I let you escape my grasp!"
I watched in horror as the walls of my room began to crack and crumble, the floor beneath our feet trembling as if caught in the throes of a violent earthquake. Riveria grabbed my hand, her fingers intertwining with mine as we braced ourselves against the onslaught of Medusa's wrath.
The world around us shattered like a fragile pane of glass, the twisted illusion that Medusa had crafted crumbling away to reveal a vast, empty void. I clung to Riveria, my heart pounding in my chest as we plunged into endless darkness.
Medusa's laughter echoed through the void, a haunting, maniacal sound that chilled me to the bone. "Do not think you've won!" she taunted, her voice seeming to come from everywhere and nowhere. "Even if you escape this world, you'll never be free of me. I'll always be there, lurking in the shadows of your mind, waiting for the perfect moment to strike."
I gritted my teeth, refusing to let her words shake my resolve. Riveria was at my side, her presence a reassuring force that anchored me to the truth. We were not alone; we had each other, and together, we would find a way out of this nightmare.
Medusa's voice grew softer, almost seductive, as she continued her assault. "You know you belong to me, Bell," she crooned, her words dripping with malice. "I'll never let you go. You're mine and always will be."
Riveria squeezed my hand gently, a reminder of our unbreakable bond. "Ignore her words, Bell," she said, her voice calm and steady. "She's trying to manipulate you, to weaken your resolve."
Medusa let out a derisive snort, her tone filled with contempt. "Pathetic. You truly believe that this elf has saved you? She's just using you, boy. Once she gets what she wants from you, she'll abandon you just like she did during the war game with Freya Familia."
I shook my head fiercely, refusing to let Medusa's lies take root in my heart. I knew Riveria—I knew that she would never abandon me or use me for her own selfish gain. Our love was stronger than Medusa could ever hope to comprehend, and that love would see us through to the end.
Riveria squeezed my hand, her presence a comforting anchor in the midst of the chaos. "Don't listen to her," she whispered, her voice filled with conviction. "I will never leave you, Bell. We are in this together, now and forever."
Medusa's laughter echoed through the void once more, her mocking words an arrow aimed directly at our hearts.
As the last remnants of Medusa's illusory world crumbled away, I felt a strange sensation wash over me—a feeling of weightlessness, like floating in a vast, empty sea. My hand was still clutching Riveria's, her fingers intertwined with mine in an unbreakable grip.
"I won't let you go," she whispered, her voice echoing through the void. "I'm never going to let you go."
We were adrift in this dark place, surrounded by nothingness on all sides. But as long as we had each other, we weren't alone. We were together, and that was all that mattered.
As I clung to Riveria, holding onto the truth of our bond with everything I had, a faint glimmer of light appeared in the distance—a tiny pinprick of hope amidst the infinite darkness.